A tragic accident occurred Wednesday morning, November 26, at a military firing range in Afantou, on the Greek island of Rhodes.

According to local reports, a 19-year-old member of the local National Guard unit died on the spot when a defensive grenade was accidentally triggered. Another soldier was critically injured in the explosion and reportedly suffered severe trauma, including amputation, as doctors at Rhodes General Hospital work to save his life.

The incident happened shortly after 10 a.m. while the two soldiers, both explosives handlers, were transporting weapons and grenades as part of their training duties. The explosion occurred when one of the soldiers accidentally activated a defensive grenade, resulting in a fatal detonation.

The Greek Armed Forces headquarters (GEETHA) was immediately notified, and an official investigation into the circumstances of the accident has been launched.